Indian Ayurveda & Spa Holidays

Health in Ayurveda

The objectives of Ayurveda is to establish prime health in every living being, physically, mentally and spiritually. The basic concepts and fundamental principles ~m at establishing such a condition through correct and thorough knowledge of healthy living. The living body can function normally only when its Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni are in a state of equilibrium. The Trigunas also play a vital role in the maintenance of three dimensional health. When these factors become either increased or decreased, either partially or totally, the body may either become sick or dead.
Health according to Ayurveda can be defined as a state of equilibrium of the actionof Doshas, Dhathus, Malas and Agni accompanied by a sensation of well being (tranquility) of body and sense organs, mind and soul. Such a person is called Swastha.

Diseases & Their Causes

The harmony and the balance of the Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni in the body is the primary condition of the health. The equilibrium is maintained through a life in conformity with the laws of nature.

Wrong behaviour and food habits disturbs the harmony and lead to diseases.
The vitiated Doshas are the prime causative factor for a disease. Because they are the only causative factors for the vitiation (derangement) of other body elements like Dhatus, Malas, Agni etc. Both under pathological and healthy conditions, the Doshas behave in different patterns and elicit various signs and symptoms in regard to their vitiation, direction of spreading area of localisation and manifestation.

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

There are three main methods mentioned in Ayurveda for diagnosing the Dosha Imbalance and
disease process In a person. They are.
1. DARSANA PAREEKSHA
By observing the patient's physical signs and symptoms, Example - colour of skin, hair, eyes, behaviour, body condition etc.

2. PRASNA PAREEKSHA
By asking minute questions regarding the Imbalance of each Dosha

3. SPARSANA PAREEKSHA
By touching the patient. The pulse diagnosis, palpation, percussion and auscultation
are Induded In this method.

NADI PAREEKSHA (Pulse diagnosis) is a very important tool for diagnosis. The Physidan feels the radial artery pulsations on the wrist of the patient and through his experience he can get a dear picture of the millieu interior.

Treatment

The treatment In Ayurveda can be classlfied broadly Into two
1. Sodhana Chikilsa (Purification Therapy)
The main aim of this treatment Is to eliminate the internal causative factors of the disease. A large quantity of toxic bl-products are formed in the body as a result of continuous metabolic process. All though most of these toxins are eliminated naturally by the body's excretory system, some may get deposited in the various tissues of the body, which ensures the vitiation of Doshas, Dhatus etc. and then the normal functioning of the systems is impaired. Similarly disease causing toxins accumulate in the body as a result of various factors like wrong body habits, wrong food habits, incompatible combination of food items, suppression of the body urges, emotional imbalance etc.

2. Shamana Chikilsa (Alleviating Therapy)
This is specially done after the Sodhana Therapy and in less vitiation. Herbal medicines are used internally and externally to correct the derangement of functions of Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni and also to increase the body immunity. The restoration of normality is brought about without any elimination.

Preparatory Procedure

Prior to any Pancha Karma, the body should be prepared for the elimination. The deposited toxic products should be made loose from the cells and tissues and should be brought Into outer channel for elimination. For this purpose two main therapeutic procedures are done in association.
1. Snehana Karma (Oleation Therapy)
2. Swedana Karma (Sudation Therapy)

In Snehana Karma Herbal medidnes in the form of oil and ghee preparations are used both externally and internally. The various procedures Implemented for Snehana Therapy are Sneha Panaro, Abhyangam and Massage, Sirovasthy, Sirodhara, Pizhichil etc.

Swedana Karma is sweating process. This Is done in association with the Snehana Karma. The various Swedana Procedures are Njavarakizhi, Pizhlchil, Elakizhl, Choornasweda, Steam Bath, Hot Herbal Bath etc.

Prakruti

The Prakruti or basic constitutional nature of each individual is determined at the time of conception. At this stage the constitution of the individual is determined by the permutations and combinations of the five basic eternal elements that manifests in the parents 'SUKRA' and 'ARTHAVA' (Male and Female gametes). Once birth has genetically made its elemental imprint, we cannot alter to suit our needs. While we may be influenced positively or negatively by our culture, sodety and environment our basic nature at birth Is established from the interladng of the five eternal elements and the combination of these elements present on birth remains constant.

According to Ayurveda there are seven prakrutis or constituted types.
1. Vatha Type 2. Pitha Type 3. Kapha Type 4. Vatha Pitha Type 5. Vatha Kapha Type 6. Pitha Kapha Type 7. Vatha Pitha Kapha type

Vatha type, Pitha type and Kapha type are the three important constitutional natures

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga, the science of man, based on ancient Indian wisdom and culture, is an art of living a healthy, balance, peaceful and contented life. Yoga, being a total integrated system, studies in man in wholeness-Body, mind and spirit and is integrated to certain principles, ideas, values, attitudes and a way of life for personal and social benefits. Conceived by the great sages in their quest for self-realisation, it has come to be recognised during its long travels from the hermitage to the cities, as the science of man, a philosophy of life, a code of conduct and attitude and on approach, as well as on art of living, which is capable not only of ensuring physical wellbeing, mental peace harmony, moral elevation but also the spiritual uplifts of man. It must however be kept in mind that it is a long and arduous journey calling for perseverance, persistence, dedication and total surrender.